Juvenile Crimes

What Happens in Juvenile Delinquency Court?

Learn about the juvenile court process, what juvenile delinquency means, what a status offense is, and how juvenile court differs from adult criminal court.

Incorrigibility: Juvenile Laws

Incorrigibility laws still exist, although they may go by different terms. Learn how incorrigibility laws work and what the consequences might be to the juvenile and their family.

Who Decides to Try a Juvenile as an Adult?

When children are accused of criminal acts, the case usually goes to juvenile court. But, in certain cases, state laws permit a juvenile case to be transferred to adult court.

Juvenile Curfew Laws

Curious about how juvenile curfew laws could affect your family? This article clarifies who sets these rules, common exceptions, what penalties look like, and practical tips for keeping your teen—and yourself—on the right side of the law.

Juvenile Simple Assault

A juvenile can be charged with simple assault for injuring another person, threatening to or attempting to injure another person, or even making another person afraid.

Juvenile Weapons Possession

All states limit the right to purchase, own, or possess weapons to some extent, though restrictions differ widely. And many states ban minors from having guns, subject to some exceptions.

Runaway Teenagers

Here are common questions about legal problems for the child who runs away, the child’s parents, and any other adult who might become involved with the child by, for example, allowing the child to stay in their home.

Teen Sexting Laws and Penalties

Learn about laws that punish teen sexting, including child pornography and similar laws.

Truancy Among Teens: Laws and Consequences

Every state has laws that require school-aged kids to regularly attend school. Too many unexcused absences can result in truancy charges and consequences for both student and parents.

Fake ID: Laws and Penalties

While getting caught with a fake ID might seems inconsequential, learn how consequential a conviction can be.

Juvenile Theft and Burglary Laws

All states criminalize theft and burglary, and a juvenile who commits these offenses can face charges similar to those an adult would face. The more serious the offense is, the more serious the penalties can be for the minor.

Juvenile Vandalism: Laws and Penalties

The crime of vandalism occurs whenever someone intentionally damages property that belongs to someone else. Juvenile vandalism typically involves an offender younger than 18.

Juvenile Shoplifting Penalties

A juvenile who shoplifts commits the same offense as an adult who shoplifts, but the matter will be handled much differently. Minors charged with crimes go to juvenile court, not adult criminal court.

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Learn about the legal consequences for underage drinking, including criminal penalties, fines, and driver's license suspensions.

Juvenile Drug Possession

Just like adults, juveniles who illegally possess drugs are in violation of the law. Minors under 18 will typically face their drug possession charges in juvenile delinquency court.

Underage DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties

Learn the basics of underage DUI/DWI laws and penalties including information in your state.

Parents' Civil Liability for a Child's Acts

Courts can order parents to pay damages for harm caused by their children. These laws encourage parents to supervise and control their children.

Parental Responsibility for a Child's Criminal Actions

Each state imposes legal responsibility on parents and legal guardians for the delinquent and criminal acts of minors in their charge.

Can a Judge Order My Child to Testify in a Criminal Case?

Children who are witnesses to or victims of crimes may be ordered to testify in criminal cases. Generally, judges decide on a case-by-case basis whether a child is competent (qualified) to testify.